Tag Archives: Joe Dimaggio

Try to imagine in this day and age, a sports quiz show landing Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The only way that happens is if they own the show. And even then, maybe not.

Well, back in the ’70s, Sports Challenge, with Dick Enberg, had a show featuring Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio on the panel. The Mick and Joe D. They probably got what would be tip money these days and were pleased to get that much.

Back then, Mantle and DiMaggio probably earned only a few thousand dollars for their appearance, tops.

Anyway, it was a classic show in a much simpler time. And Enberg was terrific.

You could fill a library with all the books written about the Yankees and their players. And leave room for one more: I’m working on a book on the myth and reality of the Babe Ruth “Called Shot” homer.

Indeed, the stories are endless. Marty Appel ties them all together in his new book, Pinstripe Empire: The New York Yankees from before the Babe to after the Boss.

It is a 620-page epic with everything in there. Lots of good stories and baseball history.

Here’s my Q/A with Appel:

How far back do you go with the Yankees?

As a fan, back to the 1955 World Series. As an employee, the 1968 season, Mantle’s last, when I was hired to answer his fan mail.

How long did you work on this project and what was involved in doing the … Continue Reading